Worcestershire is sending out a clear message of support for Ukraine following the launch of military action by Russia.

Russia has launched a wide-ranging attack on Ukraine, hitting cities and bases with air strikes or shelling as civilians began to flee.

Ukraine’s government has describe the Russian tanks and troops crossing the border as “full-scale war”

Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened any country attempting to interfere with “consequences you have never seen”.

Now, Worcestershire’s MPs have voiced their support for Ukraine.

MP for Worcester, Robin Walker, said: “It is an appalling and totally unprovoked attack on the part of Putin’s Russia.

“It is something that will need action from all of the west, including the UK.”

He continued: “It is not something that we wanted to see happen and I think it is right that we have been calling out Putin’s false propaganda as let’s be clear, there is no fault here on the part of Ukraine.

“This is an act of pure aggression, and we need to do all we can support to Ukraine.”

Mr Walker added that he has recently spoken with the defence secretary who has informed him that whilst the UK is not in a position to put feet on the ground, all will be done to support Ukraine.

Worcester News: Standing with Ukraine in the United Nations, Harriett Baldwin MP (middle) with Ukrainian Parliamentarians Lesia Vasylenko (left) and Alona Shkrum (right)Standing with Ukraine in the United Nations, Harriett Baldwin MP (middle) with Ukrainian Parliamentarians Lesia Vasylenko (left) and Alona Shkrum (right)

West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin visited the United Nations last week, meeting with global parliamentarians and voicing her opposition to Russia’s action.

In recent days she has visited NATO to learn about the international response to the crisis.

She said: “This is clearly the most serious foreign policy crisis since the end of the Second World War and the Russian president has defied international law to invade another sovereign country.

“Last week, I stood side-by-side with Ukrainian parliamentarians on the floor of the United Nations to show my support for them, and I look to the international community to do all it can to stand up to this tyrannous Russian action.

“This is a bleak moment for us all and I will be following the Government’s response as we seek to act swiftly and decisively and stand up to this global bully.”

Mid Worcetershire MP Nigel Huddleston added: “I condemn the unprovoked invasion by Russia of Ukraine. It is an attack on freedom and democracy in Europe.

“We stand united with our Ukrainian partners and I support the Prime Minister's commitment that we and our allies will take decisive action.”

At a county level, St John’s councillor Richard Udall has called for the Ukrainian flag to be flown over Guildhall.

He said: “War in Europe, really distressing news. Naked, unprovoked aggression from one powerful state to its weaker neighbour.

“Little we can do in Worcester, but perhaps, in an act of solidarity, we could fly the Ukrainian flag from the Guildhall.”